Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has called on the management of Enugu Air to run the airline professionally and avoid bureaucratic pitfalls that led to the demise of Nigeria Airways.
Keyamo made this call during the inauguration of Enugu Air, a new airline acquired by the Enugu State Government and financed by Fidelity Bank PLC, with operations being handled by XEJet, a privately-owned Nigerian airline.
Keyamo described the launch of Enugu Air as one of the dreams that came true, thanks to the persistence of Governor Peter Mbah, who had been pushing for the establishment of an airline in Enugu State.
“This is one of our dreams that came true here today in Enugu State, powered by the incredible governor. He was one of the first governors that visited me the moment I was made Minister of Aviation to push for Enugu airline,” Keyamo said.
Keyamo advised the managers of the airline to run it professionally and avoid the mistakes that led to the collapse of Nigeria Airways.
“Do not let the airline go the way of the Nigerian Airways. I beg you to run it professionally and do not let bureaucracy kill Enugu Air,” he said.
Governor Mbah, in his remarks, stated that the launch of Enugu Air was a key step towards making Enugu the premier destination for investment, living, and tourism in Nigeria.
“What we are witnessing today is a clear pathway to that goal of what can happen when the right enablers for enterprise are put in place. With the airline, we are opening doors to a sector that once felt out of reach; Enugu Air has given more wings to our dreams and today we take that first flight together,” he said.
The governor also highlighted the economic benefits of the airline, saying it would create jobs and position Enugu as a regional hub for the Southeast and beyond.
“The airline is an economic enabler, a job creator, and strategic platform for Enugu’s emergence as a regional hub for the Southeast and beyond,” he said.
The Chief Executive Officer of Fidelity Bank, Dr. Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe, expressed the bank’s pride in financing the project, saying it reflected their long-standing belief in aviation as a driver of economic growth and national transformation.
“The bank is proud to finance tomorrow’s opportunities today.
“Our support for Enugu Air reflects our long-standing belief in aviation as a driver of economic growth, regional connectivity, and national transformation,” she said.
The Chief Executive Officer of XEJet and Enugu Air, Emmanuel Iza, explained that the inauguration was made possible through a strategic technical partnership with XEJet, which would span 24 months.
“Our mission with Enugu Air goes beyond air travel. It is about building a brand that reflects the spirit of its people, resilient, proud, capable, and ready to soar,” Iza said.
